Pipeline project impacts Indigenous sacred site, fueling legal battle

The Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project through British Columbia's sacred Pípsell region sparked opposition from the Stk’emlúpsemc te Secwépemc Nation over violation of Indigenous Rights and sacred spaces.

Ayesha Habib reports for The Narwhal.

In short:

• Despite previous agreements, the Stk’emlúpsemc te Secwépemc Nation claims the project violates Secwépemc law and infringes on Aboriginal Title.
• The nation argues the approval to trench through Pípsell bypasses proper consultation and disrupts cultural and spiritual practices.
• The case could set a precedent on Indigenous land rights versus industrial projects.

Key quote:

"They dug through the medicines. They made roads over it. They parked all their stuff on it."

— Mike McKenzie, Secwépemc Knowledge Keeper

Why this matters:

The Trans Mountain pipeline expansion highlights the tension between government and Indigenous land rights, potentially impacting future projects and influencing how nations protect their sacred spaces. Read more: Why Indigenous women are risking arrest to fight Enbridge’s Line 3 pipeline through Minnesota.